INDIO, CA (CelebrityAccess) — A veteran stagehand who has worked on the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival since its inception was killed on Saturday after he fell from a scaffold on the festival grounds.
In a statement provided to Billboard on Saturday, Goldenvoice acknowledged the the death, stating the man died in a fall.
“Today, Goldenvoice lost a colleague, a friend, a family member,” Goldenvoice told Billboard. “Our friend fell while working on a festival stage. It is with heavy hearts and tremendous difficulty that we confirm his passing. He has been with our team for 20 years in the desert and was doing what he loved. He was a hard-working and loving person that cared deeply about his team. As our lead rigger, he was responsible for the countless incredible shows that have been put on at the festival. We will miss him dearly.”
The name of the worker was not disclosed.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, emergency responders were called to the Empire Polo Club grounds, where the festival is held, early on Saturday.
Indio police spokesman Ben Guitron said the worker “fell from a roof and perished at the scene.”
Guitron added that since the incident occurred on a work site and is considered an industrial accident, THR reported.
Coachella is scheduled to begin on April 12th.
